Democracy Impacts

US President Predicts "Big & Exciting" Trade Deal with UK

August 01, 2017

As US and UK trade representatives met in Washington, DC, to discuss a potential trade deal between the two countries after the conclusion of Brexit, US President Donald Trump predicted the deal “could be very big & exciting” and criticized the "protectionist" EU.
ECJ Official Supports Basis of EU Migrant Sharing Plan

August 01, 2017

The New York Times reports that Advocate General for the Court of Justice of the EU (ECJ) Yves Bot has advised the ECJ to dismiss actions brought by Hungary and Slovakia against the EU’s 2015 migrant sharing plan, finding that the scheme was a "proportionate means" of dealing with the bloc's migration crisis.
EU Ministers Work Toward Joint Military Funding

July 31, 2017

Reuters reports that, as part of their steps toward a European defense union, defense ministers from EU member states recently agreed to talks on pooling their public funds toward joint military projects, including a defense research facility run by the European Commission.
British Officials Pledge End to “Free Movement”

July 27, 2017

The BBC reports that, while multiple British officials have pledged that the UK will not retain the EU’s free movement policy after leaving the bloc, UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd has asserted that there will be no "cliff edge" for migration of foreign workers and has commissioned a report studying the potential impacts of migration curbs after Brexit.
Report Calls for UK, EU to Reach Extradition Deal

July 27, 2017

A report by the UK House of Lords' EU Home Affairs Sub-Committee calls on the UK government to reach an agreement on a post-Brexit extradition arrangement with the EU similar to the current system under the European Arrest Warrant to ensure there is no interruption in extraditions between the EU and Britain after the departure of the UK from the bloc.
EU, UK Remain at Odds over Key Brexit Issues

July 26, 2017

Politico reports that, at the close of the first round of substantive talks on Brexit, EU and UK negotiators have acknowledged key differences over the Brexit "divorce settlement" bill and EU citizens rights, including over the possible jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the EU (ECJ) in cases involving EU citizens living in the UK.
UK Cabinet Prepares for Free Movement During "Transition"

July 26, 2017

The Guardian reports that the British cabinet is prepared to allow free movement of nationals from EU member states into the UK for up to four years during a "transition period" after the official date of Brexit.
EU Opposes UK Plan for Criminal Background Checks

July 26, 2017

Politico reports that a "major sticking point" between EU and UK officials in negotiations over Brexit to this point has been whether Britain can perform criminal background checks on all EU citizens living in the country who apply for "settled status" after the country leaves the bloc.
EU Body Seeks Stronger "Solidarity Corps"

July 26, 2017

The European Committee of the Regions has issued an opinion praising the EU's establishment of a "European Solidarity Corps" to provide job opportunities and cultivate pro-EU sentiments in youth across the bloc and calling for a strengthened local and regional role in the implementations of the Solidarity Corps' initiatives.
French, German Leaders Voice Tentative Support for EU Treaty Change

July 25, 2017

The Independent reports that, at their first meeting in Berlin, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed their willingness to support EU treaty amendments that grant greater authority to the supranational entity to resolve policy issues - including, according to President Macron, through a "common asylum policy."